Lake Loie from Lillaz

What it is

Lake Loie is a high-mountain lake at 2,346 m, in the Cogne Valley, above the hamlet of Lillaz. The climb is short but steep and brings together in a small space the best of the area: the waterfalls of the Urtier torrent at the start, a conifer forest, alpine pastures with marmots and, at the top, the lake with an unexpected view, open towards the Mont Blanc massif.

The route in numbers

• Start: Lillaz, 1,617 m.
• Finish: Lake Loie, 2,346 m.
• Ascent: 729 m of climbing.
• Length: 3.2 km, according to the park's information sheet.
• Time: 2 h 45 min in total, according to the park.
• Difficulty: E, hiking: a mountain path without technical sections.
• Waymarking: first path 13 and then 12.
• Season: summer.

It is a few kilometres for a lot of ascent: the average gradient is steep and you feel it. Go at your own pace and with stops.

Step by step

1. Lillaz and the waterfalls. You leave the village, cross a stretch of alpine forest and pass beside the waterfalls of the Urtier torrent. If you are short of time or with small children, the Lillaz waterfalls walk is an alternative in itself.
2. The hanging valley. You enter the valley, cross a small bridge and climb through a conifer forest.
3. The Bardoney alp. You come out onto high pastures near the Bardoney alp. In early summer there is a great variety of alpine flora and it is easy to see marmots.
4. The turn-off. You leave the path that continues towards the Colle di Bardoney and turn right towards the lake.
5. Lake Loie. At the top the chances of seeing chamois and ibex increase, and the panorama opens towards Mont Blanc.

The descent goes through a mature conifer forest, with nutcrackers, crossbills and jays.

When to go

In summer, when the path is free of snow. At the start of the season there are more flowers at the Bardoney alp. Set off early: the sun beats down on the climb and in the afternoon, in July and August, storms are frequent in the Alps. Outside summer there may be snow on the upper part; without winter experience, don't go up.

Water, shade and equipment

The first half goes through forest, with shade; the upper part, among pastures, is in the sun. Don't count on springs along the way: carry water and something to eat. Mountain boots, a waterproof jacket and a warm layer, because at 2,300 m it gets cool even if it is hot below. Sun cream and sunglasses.

Getting there and parking

Lillaz is a hamlet of Cogne, a few kilometres from the village along a short road. Leave the car in the Lillaz car park, which in season may be paid; the path starts from the hamlet. In season, arrive early: the waterfalls attract many people.

In Cogne, on the other side, you have the Paradisia alpine garden and the path to the Vittorio Sella hut, another climb for a second day.

With children, with a dog and if the weather changes

With teenagers who walk, yes; with small children it is a lot of slope, and it is better to stay at the waterfalls. With a dog, check the park regulations first, which limit dogs to certain paths and dates. If you see the weather worsening, turn back: the lake is in open terrain and there is no shelter.